“Mindfulness or Mindlessness?”

This video of a talk by noted Buddhist scholar Robert H. Sharf comes to us via NellaLou of Smiling Buddha Cabaret fame, and I think it is full of well-articulated points and insights that many Buddhist Americans ought to hear and discuss.

In my own ways here at the blog I’ve tried to point us away from the faddish “McMindfulness” that consumes so much public conversation about Buddhism here in America, to a fuller and richer understanding of the Buddha’s teachings; but I think Sharf does much better with his blunt and cogent explication of just how heterodox many modern ideas about mindfulness may be.

That said, I’m not sure every single aspect of the argument works — in fact, I’m curious to know what some of you out there think, so please leave comments. Overall, though, this is some damn good food for thought. Check it out.

ABOUT OFF THE CUSHION This blog begins with the assumption that Thai social critic and engaged Buddhist thinker Sulak Sivaraksa is correct when he says, "Any attempt to understand Buddhism apart from its social dimension is fundamentally a mistake." It also affirms Cambodian peace activist and Buddhist monk Maha Ghosananda's belief that "we must find the courage to leave our temples and enter the temples of human experience, temples that are filled with suffering." Therefore we shall seek to look closely at contemporary human problems in light of Buddhist thought, looking for ways to apply Buddhist values in service of a more just, peaceful, and loving world. Rev. Danny Fisher, ordained Buddhist minister and chaplain, is the author, but your thoughts and contributions are most welcome and strongly encouraged.